Short Courses

Childcare

Introduction to Nannying

Developed in association with the British Association of Professional Nannies (BAPN), this course introduces learners to the key aspects of working life as a nanny. Learners will explore the role and responsibilities of a professional nanny, the main elements of working with children, and the health and safety considerations involved when working in the family home. Intended as a general introduction to the profession, this course will give learners a real flavour of what is involved in being a nanny.

Babysitting

This course, aimed at potential babysitters of any age or prospective employers of babysitters, looks at the essentials of babysitting. It explains the responsibilities of both parent / carer and sitter. It looks at the importance of continuity of care, child safety, and the setting of boundaries for both the children and the babysitter. It also offers an introduction to child development and care activities for young children.

Parenting

This course, aimed at parents of any age and those considering becoming parents, looks at the essentials of parenting. It explains the responsibilities of the parent, looks at the importance of good health and nutrition, and considers the dangers of smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs. It also offers an introduction to common childhood illnesses, child development, and child safety.

Observing children

Learners will explore the observation cycle and the types of observations they might choose to carry out on a child. They will, by the end of the course, be able to define what makes an effective observation and how it might be used to decide a child’s next developmental milestone. The course will also cover rules relating to observation and confidentiality. This course is appropriate for childcare practitioners working in a range of settings.

Managing behaviour

Learners will explore definitions of good behaviour and gain an understanding of how broad a spectrum this definition might be, and how dependent it is upon the age of the child, cultural situation, and tolerance levels of staff. They will look at reasons for poor behaviour and explore strategies for improving behaviour. They will evaluate the benefits of working with outside agencies and identify which agencies may be most appropriate. This course is appropriate for childcare practitioners working in a range of settings.

Inclusion

In this course, learners will explore the meaning of inclusion and gain a better understanding of its scope. They will look at the barriers to inclusion and explore resources for inclusion. This course is generally intended for learners working in nursery settings.

Cultural awareness

In this course, learners will explore the meaning of cultural awareness and gain a better understanding of why it is important within the workplace. They will explore how they can promote inclusive practice and how they can plan for diversity and inclusion. They will also explore the challenges to inclusion and how to overcome them. This course is generally intended for learners working in nursery settings.

An Enabling Learning Environment

Learners will gain an understanding of the areas of learning they should find in any good play environment. They will explore how these areas promote learning and development and the part practitioners may play in this. They will learn how to create a room to learn for themselves using a planned approach and learn how to adapt their plans according to children’s needs, wishes, and desires. This course is appropriate for childcare practitioners working in a range of settings.

Partnership with parents

In this course, learners will explore the importance of the partnership they create with parents. They will learn how to make the partnership work effectively and how to deal with conflict when it arises. This course is generally intended for learners working in nursery settings.

KEEP Key Elements of Effective Practice

Learners will explore how this document was written and the research that underpins it. They will identify and define the main points of the document and how it relates to the EYFS Statutory Framework. Learners will then look at how the KEEP document might relate to their practice and how practitioners might use it to reflect on the practice in their setting. This course is appropriate for childcare practitioners working in a range of settings.

Child Development

In this course, learners will gain an understanding of the concept of child development and how important it is to the work that we carry out with children. They will look at child development theories and learn how to apply them to situations within their setting. They will look at aspects of development, including brain development, and from this understanding will then consider how best to prepare activities for children and guide their learning. A work placement is not required to complete this course and the learning is appropriate for childcare practitioners from a range of settings.

Fulfilling the role of the Key Person

In this course, learners will be taught about the role of the key person and the relationship the key person needs to build with the child’s parents. They will learn how to promote a child’s personal, social, and emotional development and gain a better understanding of what this means in day-to-day practice. They will look at factors that affect a child’s ability to develop loving, secure relationships and look at children’s key emotional needs. They will also explore how children develop friendships. This course is generally intended for learners working in nursery settings.

Self-evaluation

Learners will look at the self-evaluation model and consider how to evaluate objectively. They will learn how to set targets for their personal development and how to source learning opportunities. They will look at implementing change effectively and how to review their progress. This course also touches on the OfSTED Self Evaluation Form. This course is generally intended for learners working in nursery settings.

Introduction to safeguarding

In this course, learners will be given a general introduction to the concept of safeguarding and its importance in a childcare setting. The course will focus on:

– When to be concerned, i.e. What is abuse and how to spot possible signs of abuse
– Understanding setting policy for reporting concerns, i.e. Setting’s own policy and procedures and link to local safeguarding procedures
– Basic knowledge of the document ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’, i.e. What it is and what it contains
– Whistleblowing, i.e. Importance of raising concerns about poor practice within own setting

The course is intended for learners working in nursery settings, or with school-aged children and young people.

Recognising and Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Children with special educational needs (SEN) have the right to be educated alongside others and the right not to be at a disadvantage because of their needs when accessing services. With the right support and well-planned provision, children with SEN can thrive and achieve their full potential. In this short course you will explore the topic of special educational needs within a childcare setting. You will learn about Down’s syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy and Asperger’s Syndrome as examples of common learning disabilities creating special educational needs, as well as the key legislation governing practice in this area. We will look at the role of the setting SENCO and how you too can understand, support and provide for individual children with SEN in your care. This course is intended for practitioners working in a range of childcare settings.

Nutrition in the Early Years

This course, aimed at childcare practitioners and others involved in the nutrition of children, looks at the importance of giving young children a good start in life through nutritious food to enable them to grow, develop, and have a healthy life. Learners will be introduced to the components of a healthy diet – including protein, vitamins, and minerals. The importance of giving a portion of food reflecting the size of the child and of being very careful with food allergies and intolerances is also explained. The course also looks at food phobias.

Asperger Syndrome

This course, aimed at anyone supporting individuals with Asperger syndrome, looks at how having the syndrome will affect the individual. It introduces the learner to the areas that a person with Asperger syndrome might struggle with, and provides resources to help understand how they interact with and interpret the world around them.

The Prevent Duty

This short course aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of ‘The Prevent Duty’, and is suitable for those working in schools and childcare settings.
Prevent is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, preventing people from becoming involved in, or supporting, terrorism. This course explains what the Prevent duty means for practitioners, how to comply with the duty, and the advice and support available for protecting children and young people from the risks of radicalisation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This short course aims to increase understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and is suitable for those working with children and young people. This course explains the difference between ADHD and ADD and helps you to spot the signs and symptoms of ADHD, understand the causes, and provide children, young people, and their families with accurate information and guidance.

Outdoor play

This short course, aimed at those working with children and young people, explores play and learning opportunities that can be facilitated outdoors. This course outlines the benefits of outdoor play to a child’s life, provides ideas for activities, and explains how to encourage children to expand and develop their imaginative play outdoors. Additionally, you will learn how to review your current outdoor play provision, plan a new space, and help children to manage risk.

Communication and the EYFS

This short course, aimed at those working in an early years setting, explores one of the prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage: Communication and language. This course outlines the importance of good communication skills to a child’s life, and how to build children’s confidence with language and show them that what they have to say is important and valued. It will consider the key role you play in this and how to role model effective communication. Additionally, you will learn how to reflect on how well you are communicating with children and others in your setting.

Developing self-esteem in young children

This short course, aimed at those working in an early years setting, explores answers to the following questions: What is self-esteem, why is it so crucial to children’s development, and how can you contribute? This course outlines the characteristics of a child with healthy self-esteem and compares this to characteristics of children with low or poor self-esteem. You will learn what you can do as a childcare practitioner to support the development of children’s healthy self-esteem.

Literacy and the EYFS

This short course, aimed at those working in an early years setting or those with young children, looks at how to encourage early literacy. It looks at how literacy and communication skills are central to children’s intellectual, social, and emotional development, and how the world of literacy begins at a very early age.

Keeping children safe online

This short course aims to look at some of the safety issues relating to the use of the internet, particularly by children. Internet usage has increased enormously, but so have reports of the safeguarding issues linked to abuses of internet communication. In this course the learner is introduced to some of the risks and dangers, and how to deal with them – including where to report online concerns and risks.

Health and Safety in Early Years

This course will teach learners how to establish a safe and secure environment for children using risk assessments to raise everybody’s awareness of potential dangers. Learners will look at ways in which leaders maintain a healthy, safe, and secure environment for children and, in particular, look at hygiene practices. Additionally, they will learn how to supervise procedures for accidents, injuries, illnesses, and other emergencies. Learners do not need to be working in a managerial role to complete this course, but should be working in a childcare setting.

Understanding Leadership and Management

In this course, learners will think about the role of a leader and what an effective leader does. They will explore a wide variety of leadership styles and the importance of communication. They will also learn how to deal with conflict in a way that leads to successful resolution. Learners do not need to be working in a managerial role to complete this course but should be working as a member of a childcare setting team.

Building a Team

In this course, learners will explore the stages of team development. They will learn about team roles with particular reference to Meredith Belbin’s team role research. They will explore the ways in which a leader can lead a team effectively, how they build the team, and how they learn to let go and delegate. Finally, the course will cover behaviour drivers of team members and how having an understanding of what drives people will enable them to get the best from their team members. Learners do not need to be working in a managerial role to complete this course but should be working as a member of a childcare setting team.

Continuous Professional Development

In this course, learners will consider both their own Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the CPD of their team members. They will explore preferred learning styles, learning opportunities, and how to plan and evaluate learning. They will learn how to help others set up a CPD file and how to lead others to develop professionally. They will explore the learning cycle and how full and valid qualifications fit in to this learning process. Learners do not need to be working in a managerial role to complete this course but should be working as a member of a childcare setting team.

First Time Leadership

In this course, learners will explore the difference between leading and managing. They will consider the ways in which they can adapt from being a friend to a line manager. They will gain an understanding of the art of negotiation and look at their values and beliefs and how this affects their actions. Finally, they will explore their ability to manage time effectively. Learners do not need to be working in a managerial role to complete this course but should be working as a member of a childcare setting team.

Managing people

In this course, learners will explore leadership styles and gain an understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of focussing on developing the team and getting the task done. They will explore the role of a manager and ways in which managing effectively involves helping team members to learn from their experiences. In particular, this course will look at Kolb’s learning styles and how this research and the further work of Honey and Mumford enables team members to develop their skills in the workplace. They will learn how to give and receive feedback assertively and how to define non-assertive and aggressive behaviour. Finally, they will look at the skills that are required to manage change effectively.

Managing safeguarding

Managing safeguarding focuses on communication and information sharing, as well as highlighting the need to evaluate policies and practices. The course includes practical exercises designed to enable practitioners to support all areas of safeguarding through reflection and promotion of multi-agency working. This course is suitable for practitioners working in childcare, playwork, and health and social care settings. This course is aimed at learners who are currently working in a managerial or supervisory role in a childcare setting.

Effective Supervision in the Early Years

In September 2012 it became a legal requirement that staff within daycare settings receive ‘Supervision’, but what is supervision? In this course, aimed at room leaders and managers, learners will be introduced to the concept of supervision and its important role within a well-managed setting, particularly in terms of safeguarding. Learners will also be introduced to some basic points of good practice with regard to implementing supervision processes in their own setting. This short course has been written by sought-after international early years consultant and trainer Laura Henry and is intended to be used as ongoing CPD for existing managers, or as a part of a suite of leadership and management courses for introducing team-leader-level staff to new aspects of managerial practice.

Business

Health and Safety in the workplace

This course, aimed at employees across a broad range of workplaces, looks at the importance of health and safety. It explains the responsibilities of both employer and employee. It offers an explanation of the roles of risk assessments, first aid at work, harmful substances, and fire safety in keeping a workplace healthy and safe. It will also introduce the learner to the legislation for health and safety and the work of the Health and Safety Executive.

Supporting remote teams

This short course, aimed at professionals who support remote teams / individuals, considers the benefits and challenges posed by members of staff working virtually or remotely. This course outlines the importance of effective communication and the role planning and technology can play in this, and how an understanding of cultural differences and the working practices of different countries is vital in order to effectively support team members. Furthermore, upon completion of the course you will gain an understanding of how to set and manage health, safety, and welfare policies and procedures for remote staff.

Communication skills

This short course, aimed at employees across a broad range of workplaces, looks at the factors affecting how information is communicated within an organisation, the benefits of effective communication, barriers to communication, and the importance of ensuring everyone feels like they have been given clear direction and their views are being listened to and valued.

Produce minutes

This short course, aimed at professionals with a responsibility for minute taking, considers the primary objectives of minutes, different types of minutes, and the importance of accurate minute taking in a business environment.

An introduction to conflict management

This short course is aimed at individuals in a position of responsibility who will need to identify, manage, and resolve conflict in teams as a part of their role. The course explores several methods of conflict management, and gives guidance on how to approach potential conflict issues.

Appraisal skills

This short course is aimed at individuals in a position of responsibility who are responsible for performance appraisals. This course looks at a key part of performance management – appraisal skills. The course looks at different appraisal methods and the benefits to staff and an organisation of effective appraisals, it also gives guidance on conducting a performance appraisal.

Reception

This short course is aimed at individuals who have a responsibility for reception duties. This course outlines the importance of a receptionist to an organisation, looks at the tasks a receptionist may be asked to complete, and gives guidance on how to perform those tasks effectively.

Time management

This short course offers guidance on how to make the most of your time at work, and outlines the personal benefits of good time management.

An introduction to project management

This short course, aimed at employees across a broad range of workplaces, explores the different stages of the life cycle of a project and offers guidance on each. It also presents different tools and techniques often used or discussed in project management, and looks at the different people involved in a project.

Managing health and safety

This short course looks at health and safety from the view point of the manager or employer in an organisation. Ultimately, it is the employer who has overall responsibility for the health and safety of themselves, their workforce, and any visitors to their organisation. It introduces, and provides links to, the different pieces of legislation that impact on a workplace.

Events management

This short course looks at reasons for holding events and the stages of event planning. It looks at legislation, insurance, and project management; it explains each stage that needs to be considered when organising an event.

Advanced conflict management

This short course is aimed at individuals in a position of responsibility who will need to identify, manage, and resolve conflict in teams as a part of their role. The course takes an in-depth look at managing conflict at work, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

A green, sustainable workplace

This short course, aimed at employees across a broad range of workplaces, provides the learner with practical advice on how to go beyond compliance with environmental law and reduce the negative impact of work activities on the environment. The course outlines the benefits to the organisation of environmentally-friendly work practices, and looks at how to engage staff in green issues.

Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability

This short course considers the importance of managing the ‘triple bottom line’ of an organisation, and how a manager can develop an effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability strategy. The course outlines the differences between CSR and sustainability, how to engage stakeholders, and the positive impacts of operating as a socially and environmentally responsible company.

An introduction to Team Leading

This short course, aimed at team leaders, will consider the role, responsibility, and skills required of an effective team leader. Learners will gain an understanding of team development and consider how their values and beliefs could affect their actions. Finally, learners will gain an insight into how to quality assure the performance of a team.

Equality and Diversity

Equality, diversity and inclusion are not just words. They are also ways of thinking and acting that welcome and celebrate difference. These principles should underpin all aspects of every organisation and every work role.

This short course looks at the key terms of equality, diversity, inclusion, and discrimination, and how they affect everybody. It looks at equality legislation, explains ‘protected characteristics’, and the impact of workplace discrimination.

Digital marketing

This short course looks at how digital marketing has changed marketing and the marketing mix. It introduces the learner to digital marketing, digital channels, and the marketing mix.

Personal safety for lone or remote workers

This short course is aimed at lone or remote workers, either currently employed or planning to undertake a role which involves lone working. This course may also be of interest to those who manage staff who can be defined as a lone or remote worker. This course will look at ways in which you can protect yourself when travelling to and from appointments, in a remote office, in a client’s home / premise, or your own home.

Manage Personal and Professional Development

This short course, aimed at all those currently in work or planning to join the workforce, looks at personal and professional development. It looks at the process of continual improvement and personal development plans, dealing with feedback, and reflection.

Care

Understanding dementia

This short course is aimed at a health and social care professional who offers support and care for people with dementia. It would also be of benefit to any person trying to gain a better understanding of the ‘dementia journey’. This course will help you learn how to recognise and understand what dementia means, to see the person and not the illness, and to find ways to help people live well.

Managing medicines

This short course is aimed at a health and social care professional who has responsibility for handling medicines. This course will outline good practice on the systems and processes for managing medicines in care homes.

Infection control and prevention

This short course, aimed at a health and social care professional, looks at national and local policies for infection control and how to cut down the risk of an outbreak of infection. The course also outlines how to use Personal Protection Equipment correctly and the importance of good personal hygiene.

Safeguarding adults

This short course, aimed at a health and social care professional, looks at the local, and national policies and procedures which relate to safeguarding adults. It also outlines the principles of safeguarding adults, positive care provision, and person-centred care.

Inspections, ratings, and the Care Quality Commission

This short course, aimed at a health and social care professional, explores the roles and responsibilities of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Every health and social care setting in the country must meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. The CQC monitors, regulates, and inspects settings regularly to ensure they are not falling below the required standard of care. These inspections can often happen without prior notice and whilst it is natural to feel nervous during an inspection, it is important you understand the process and feel reassured that it is for the benefit of everyone at the setting.

Duty of candour

The introduction of the duty of candour is a major change in health and social care and this short course will introduce practitioners to what is expected of them under the duty. This course can also serve as a refresher for practitioners already familiar with the duty, or for those who are responsible for applying the policy that guarantees this at the setting.

People in every single role within a health and social care setting have clear responsibilities under the duty of candour, and accountabilities too. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) are responsible for enforcing the duty of candour together with the police and the courts. If organisations fail in any part of this duty, they are liable for heavy penalties. There are lots of reasons, therefore, to take knowing about the duty of candour very seriously.

Community Playthings

A good place to be two

Being two isn’t easy; at times you feel big and strong, and other times you feel small and vulnerable. Working with two-year-olds isn’t easy either; one minute they are endearing and trustful, the next they are throwing their weight around like little teenagers, testing whether you really mean what you say. This short course, aimed at early years practitioners and those working with young children, looks at how to set up the physical environment to support children in this unique and seemingly contradictory stage. This course may also be of interest to parents and carers of young children. This course was created in partnership with Community Playthings

I made a unicorn

Play, for children, is not just recreation – it’s their approach to life! Every action is undertaken with the whole being: mind, body, and spirit. Play is basic to children’s wellbeing; it’s their way to discover the world around them and to express how they feel and, sometimes, to cope with difficulty. Because of all this, children’s play must be respected. This short course, aimed at early years practitioners and those working with children, looks at how children play, and how adults can interact with and support them. This course may also be of interest to parents and carers. This course was created in partnership with Community Playthings

What happens in the baby room?

Baby room practitioners have a uniquely significant role because they influence sensitive human beings during the most formative period of life. This is a tremendous responsibility and privilege. This course looks at some of the special traits and complex skills a baby room practitioner needs to develop. This course was created in partnership with Community Playthings

The irresistible classroom

In every classroom, the child does the learning, the teacher facilitates that learning, and the environment must support them both. This course looks at how Reception and Key Stage 1 classrooms can inspire education.

This short course, aimed at those working with children in a classroom setting (Foundation and Key Stage 1), looks at the impact the classroom can have on a child’s learning and development. This course was created in partnership with Community Playthings

Lighting the fire

The current emphasis on test scores and league tables induces many schools to rely on formal teaching methods. But is this how children really learn? In order to learn, education must come alive! If interest is kindled, children take initiative and make the knowledge their own. In this course we’ll look at key ways in which you can help that to be the case for the children you work with. This course was created in partnership with Community Playthings

Laser Maths is a fantastic library of lessons and tutorials created for absolutely anyone who wants to improve their maths skills. Whether you are a student learning for the first time, a parent trying to remind yourself of forgotten skills or maybe you are upskilling to get a new job, we can help you.

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BIOGRAPHY

For 28 years, Nanny Stella has positively impacted the lives of families all over the world, with her expertise and passion as a solution-based family consultant. Stella is a real-life British Nanny, and is regarded as one of the top authorities on parenting. As an author, former TV star, and consultant to celebrities and families, her renowned parenting methods are accredited and proven.
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Stella is the co-author of “Nanny 911: Expert Advice for All Your Parenting Emergencies” published by Harper Collins.